Damiani to hold estate sale
Published 8:40 pm Saturday, July 20, 2013
Andy Damiani has decided it’s time. And when he decides things, they happen.
The 91-year-old former mayor will hold an estate sale the next three weekends to sell off the vast majority of his possessions.
Gone will be the Chippendale and Queen Anne antiques, the Royal Doulton china, the crystal stemware, the silver, the oil paintings, linens, collectibles, books and more.
He’d rather do it this way than have them put in some yard sale when he’s gone.
“I prefer to get them in good hands while I’m here,” he said.
Plus, this way, he will get the joy of donating all the proceeds from the sale to the building fund for his church, St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church.
He’s been preparing for the sale for weeks with the assistance of an antiques dealer. Practically everything in his Riverview home has a price tag — and a story — attached.
There’s a white Queen Anne high-back chair under which a neighbor’s cat once had kittens. He’s still grateful she didn’t choose to have them on the chair.
There’s the Royal Doulton Miramont china that he and his late wife didn’t realize was so valuable.
“We used it for everyday,” he said.
There are mirrors, mirrors everywhere. The story behind them is simple.
“Mary loved mirrors,” he says wistfully. “She’s got them all over the place.”
His beloved, the former Mary Manos, died in 2007. She was the true antiques lover, and the presence of many of the possessions in the home is due to her.
“I’m sure she would want me to make sure this is in good hands,” he said. “I hope the people that buy these will appreciate them.”
There are also some miscellaneous items, most with a distinctly Suffolk flair. Glassware sets with cats and Christmas trees. Coffee mugs with a “Surprising Suffolk” logo. Commemorative plates from Suffolk companies that no longer exist. A glittery peanut Christmas tree ornament. A couple boxes of assorted books.
The topic of one book is etiquette. “People could use some of that,” he remarks.
When everything is gone from the home, he hopes to put it on the market and move to his second-floor, 2,600-square-foot apartment in the historic downtown area when it sells.
His two adjoining buildings there now have more than 20 business tenants, and so many require an on-site manager, he said. There are other motivations, too.
“It’s got a better kitchen than I’ve got at home,” he said.
He hopes people will see the money going to the church and take notice.
“I hope it will set an example for other people — don’t forget your church,” he said.
The sale will be held at 701 Dumville Ave. on July 26-27, Aug. 2-3 and Aug. 9-10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He’s accepting cash and credit cards.